This binding was produced as part of an ongoing series led by Janine Vangool, publisher, editor and designer of UPPERCASE magazine, and Todd Pattison, bookbinder and conservator. Ms. Vangool shared unbound copies of Art Supplies – Making, Manufacture and Creating, which were given to binders tasked with creating unique covers based on the contents. The result of these creative endeavors, published in 2023, can be seen on this site.

This long- and link-stitch binding is based on contemporary models of 13th–14th century account books. Generally speaking, the structure requires few materials and a good deal of precision. The joy I find in the long- and link-stitch is the play between material and craftsmanship, each enhancing the other. In this particular binding, the medallions on the front cover are used out of their structural context, but do reference the broader history of medieval archival binding – specifically the “mudéjar”-style binding, a practice I found highlighted in Chela Metzger’s research and workshops during the late aughts.

The supporting cover material is 20-pt. card, and Mary Hark of HARK! Handmade Paper made the beautiful papers with which I wrapped the card and decorated the covers. Mary makes her paper in small editions using high-quality flax, linen, and abaca fibers. The endpapers are from a mixed lot of handmade sheets pulled at the Morgan Conservatory – likely a mix of abaca and other fibers. The spine is supported at the sewing points with parchment from Pergamena; the head edge is painted with Cerulean Blue gouache from Winsor & Newton.